Abstract This paper explores seed dispersal mechanisms in three different plant communities. It focuses on the role of birds and the maintenance of plant biodiversity. The paper discusses seed dispersal in Wisconsin Arboretum, Pheasant Branch Conservancy and Baxter's Hollow. It also looks at the ways in which seed dispersal in these areas is dependent on animals.
Table of Contents:
Wisconsin Arboretum
Pheasant Branch Conservancy
Baxter's Hollow
From the Paper "The overstory is dominated by cottonwood, boxelder and silver maple. The only apparent mechanism for seed dispersal is wind. Cottonwood and Silver Maple dominated, possibly due to their ease of wind dispersal. Nut trees were not found, possible due to the wetness of the forest floor. The forest floor is dominated by Bucktorn (80%) (Budyak et al, 2006). This is probably due to its ability to survive and germinate in wet environments, rather than due to seed dispersal mechanisms. Buckthorn is not a favorite of deer, which may also play a role in its dominance in the area. A majority of the seeds within the understory are easily wind dispersed such as Virginia creeper, sweet Cecily, and white avens. These species comprise the other 20% of the understory. Wind was the primary seed dispersal mechanism, with birds and animals playing a minor role in this area."
Abstract This paper discusses radiological dispersion devices (RDDs) and analyzes how easy they are to access and to construct. The paper then discusses which nations are likely to have access to RDDs. In addition, the paper analyzes the effects that can be expected for those who are exposed to an explosion of RDD and the damage that they cause in the form of gamma, beta and alpha emitters.
From the Paper "One other nation that comes to mind is Iran. This country's harboring of terrorist organizations (just the sort of organizations that are most likely to utilize RDD weaponry) is commonly-known but what is arguably less-appreciated (at least by the general public) is its close historic relationship to the aforementioned Russia. To wit, Russia has historically made many contributions to Iran's nuclear weapons program and is generally perceived as a nation that enjoys a substantial diplomatic relationship with Iran (Orlov & Vinnikov, 2005). As a result, it is quite easy to see terrorist organizations residing within Iran - and looking for low-tech and cost-effective weapons to unleash upon the west - using Iranian contacts within Russia to secure RDDs. At the very least, radioactive material such as Strontium-90 can find its way within Iran's borders from Russia with troubling ease."
Abstract Quantitatively, this paper notes the dispersed nature of Toronto's aboriginal population. Qualitatively, it employs interviews with visitors at an aboriginal drop-in center. It concludes that the urban aboriginal community in Toronto has a low profile due to dispersion, poverty, homelessness, transience and a host of reasons.
Abstract The paper discusses the hypothesis that injections of pigment dispersing hormone (PDH) will result in abnormal darkening of fiddler crabs, even when returned to a white background. The paper discusses how the color changes in response to the environment in the fiddler crab helps us understand the interactions between the nervous system and the endocrine system. The paper looks at the methods, results and factors that might have affected the results of this experiment. The paper concludes that this study is an important step in the understanding of hormonal dispersal in many living creatures, possibly even in higher vertebrates.
From the Paper "The study of neuroendocrine controls in lower invertebrates can provide important clues to the functioning of these systems in higher vertebrates, such as humans. Some of the hormones found in invertebrates are unique and do not exist in higher species. However, some of the hormones, such as peptidic and lipidic hormones are quite close to those found in their vertebrate counterparts (LaFont, 2000). This makes the understanding of crustacean hormones important for the understanding of the hormonal reactions of higher species as well. This research cannot be directly applied to higher order vertebrates, but it can give us important clues as to in which direction research needs to proceed in the development of a better understanding of higher order vertebrate endocrinology."
This paper proposes that the Civil War was the culmination of four decades of intense conflict and deep-seated economic, social and political differences between the North and the South.
Abstract The writer asserts that the quick growth of such a large and diverse stretch of land led to conflict that built until two distinct sides rose to war. The paper brings proof of the growing disparity in the differing natural resources and resultant cultural orientations of a dispersed population. The paper concludes with the final lead-up to war, the insistence of the North to collect taxes from the South.
From the Paper "The South came to be an agriculturally focused area and the North became a force in manufacturing and shipping. These factors were salient in the development of two distinct cultures, one industrial (urban) and one agrarian (rural). These cultures had divergent views on life and government; both having a strong spirit of individualism and desire for self-determination."
Abstract This paper discusses the concept of entropy, describing how it governs every physical, chemical, and biological aspect of life. The paper explores two different perspectives to view entropy: that it is essentially dispersive in nature and that it is constructive in nature. The paper provides examples to illustrate entropy.
From the Paper "Entropy effects are seen in almost every instance of life. At an atomic and molecular level, the energy of substances is associated with their motion. A more energetic compound has greater motion. This atomic and molecular motion can be translational, vibrational and/or rotational, in decreasing order of energy. Each of these motions is associated with energy levels that are discrete. Atoms and, in turn, molecules cannot have randomly assigned energies. This means that substances can possess only discrete quanta or packets of energy."
Abstract This paper discusses the issue of funding the education of our students and how it affects every educational program. However the distribution of funds to various educational programs can be both a practical and an ethical matter. The paper further discusses how when funds are distributed to schools it is sometimes necessary to carefully weigh what programs have financial needs over the other or to determine whether one program serves more students than others. Laws may determine how many federal dollars one program may need, leaving less funding for others.
From the Paper "The question of dispersing funds is one that affects every educational program. For this reason, funds dispersal is a practical matter that affects everyone who operates under a state or federal budget. However, the matter of dispersing educational funds is not always straightforward and practical. Budget cuts and loss of funding can sometimes force a school system to make difficult decisions. What programs should be reduced along with the funds, or cut entirely? Will the school phase out the program, combine it with another, or eliminate it altogether? Finally, what programs will be protected? Every student, parent, and teacher has his or her favorite program, so the answers to these questions may vary based strictly on the participants' opinions. In addition, there may be laws that indicate how the money should be distributed, in the face of limited funding. "
Abstract This paper presents a research study carried out on an evergreen shrub belonging to the Rubiaceae family. The hypothesize states that the color of these drupes in relation to the foliage has some significance, either to ecological factors or the fruit-eating animals that carry out seed dispersal. The paper examines various factors related to fruit conspicuousness and refers to similar experiments, but does not produce any conclusive results.
Outline:
Introduction
Method
Results
Discussion
From the Paper "In order to distinguish the degree of colour difference between the foliage and drupes, a system of quantitative colour analysis must first be developed. Although basing this system upon human colour vision may seem a commonsense idea, it is important to remember that the animals which feed upon Coprosma petriei may have different visual spectrums than humans. If we are to narrow down the ecological and animal-related factors that may influence fruit colouration, it is important to include those light spectrums used by the birds and lizards which commonly consume and disperse this seed. Thus, a proper method of reflectance spectroscopy should be applied to gauge colour variations in the drupes, leaves and bark of Coprosma petriei."
Abstract This paper explains that a "dirty nuke", a radiological dispersion device (RDD), is a combination of conventional explosives and radioactive material designed to scatter dangerous and sub-lethal amounts of radioactive material over a general area. The author points out that the consensus among experts is that that terrorists are more likely to use a "dirty nuke" rather than a conventional nuclear bomb because materials for this device are more accessible and it does not require as high a degree of technological knowledge to create as does a conventional nuclear bomb. The paper relates that, while not as destructive, a "dirty nuke" can create terror and destruction on a large scale.
From the Paper "As experts point out, there is a great fear in the public perception of radiation and if a "dirty nuke" is detonated in a city the danger of contamination would mean that the inhabitants would firstly have to be immediately evacuated. This leads to another important reason why the terrorists would use this type of bomb; namely, that large-scale evacuations are extremely costly. However, the greatest damage would be the psychological rather than the radioactive fallout."
A description of the diet, habitat, mating and group behavior of the yellow baboon, and the significance of the copulation call of the female yellow baboon in mating.
Abstract This paper presents a detailed description of the yellow baboon, its species, environments, diet, habits, and the threats that it faces. The writer describes the group dynamics of female and male yellow baboons and how both sexes live in dominance hierarchies. Mating habits and the female yellow baboon's copulation calls are also described, and the writer explains that research demonstrates how the females benefit reproductively from using copulation calls. The paper concludes with suggestions for further research in this field.
Outline
Taxonomy and Conservation
Feeding and Spacing
Mating System
Grouping Patterns & Kinship
Dispersal and Social Relationships
Hypothesis
Conclusion
From the Paper "The yellow baboon is threatened by harvesting due to hunting and gathering, accidental mortality, biomedical laboratory research, slow reproduction rates and changes in native species dynamics. Hunting pressures on baboons are increasing in areas of the world that also have an increase in human population. The baboon is an excellent source of protein for the people living in rural areas near forests. The baboon is also killed because it is looked at as a pest. The baboon raids crops which in turn gives the local people another incentive to kill it. As the population increases, more roads are constructed which lead to more accidental baboon deaths due to heavy traffic. Increased human populations also leads to more of the baboon's natural environment being destroyed in order to provide for the continuous needs of humans."
This paper explores the intriguing behavioral phenomenon in Belding's squirrels when subjected to experimental manipulation involving the provision of food.
Abstract This paper details the various results between male and female Belding squirrels (Spermophilus beldingi) when free-living populations were subjected to experimental manipulation by the provision of food. In free-living and un-manipulated populations, 100% of Belding squirrel males disperse by the time they become active breeders. In contrast, their female counterparts breed very close to their birth sites with only 8% exhibiting natal dispersion. This paper details the varying results of the squirrel's behavior when their environment had been provided with food, which resulted in the female dispersal rate to significantly increase from 8% to 40%.
From the Paper "Despite the apparent sagacity of the above hypothesis, it fails to explain in cost-benefit analysis fashion why female S. beldingi pass up the increased and more accessible survival resources in exchange for other marginally tangible ones. Another datum that might yield additional insight is the fact that dispersing females were significantly fatter than non-provisioned conspecifics of the same age. This indicates that perhaps the dispersing females had reached a caloric saturation point at which marginal increases in calories were far outweighed by the exponential increase in breeding resources available if the animal dispersed. Further evidence that animals make a dispersal/non-dispersal decision is given by a study on the common lizard. This study indicates that lizards disperse or not depending on the survival probability of their parents, viz. the owners of the natal territory."
Abstract There are many theories on how primates got to North America. This paper focuses on the hypothesis that primates originated in Asia or Africa and dispersed through Europe to reach North America via Greenland. To do this, the paper looks specifically at a primate called Teilhardina and examines the morphological characteristics as well as the 13C values of the strata in which fossils were found. It also discusses other topics such as the geography of Earth's continents and the climate found in the north during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum that made the dispersion possible.
From the Paper "Teilhardina is an omomyid haplorhine that has been found on all three northern continents, Asia, Europe and North America. [Smith; 2008] It was a small-bodied, about 1 ounce, tree-dweller[Curtin; 2006] about the size of a mouse [Svitil; 2004] with a skull about the size of a gumball. [Malkin; 2004] It's large braincase, in relation to its body size, and relatively short snout classify Teilhardina as a primate. Its eyes, compared to the nocturnal primates of today, are relatively small suggesting that it was diurnal. [Svitil; 2004] Its small size and sharp teeth peg it as an insectivore. The fossil record places Teilhardinas emergence at 55mya. [Malkin; 2004] "
Abstract There are many theories on how primates got to North America. This paper focuses on the hypothesis that primates originated in Asia or Africa and dispersed through Europe to reach North America via Greenland. To do this, it looks specifically at a primate called Teilhardina and examines the morphological characteristics as well as the 13C values of the strata in which the fossils were found. It also discusses other topics such as the geography of Earth's continents and the climate found in the north during the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum that made the dispersion possible. The paper also includes photographs.
From the Paper "Teilhardina is an omomyid haplorhine that has been found on all three northern continents, Asia, Europe and North America. [Smith; 2008] It was a small-bodied, about 1 ounce, tree-dweller[Curtin; 2006] about the size of a mouse [Svitil; 2004] with a skull about the size of a gumball. [Malkin; 2004] It's large braincase, in relation to its body size, and relatively short snout classify Teilhardina as a primate. Its eyes, compared to the nocturnal primates of today, are relatively small suggesting that it was diurnal. [Svitil; 2004] Its small size and sharp teeth peg it as an insectivore. The fossil record places Teilhardinas emergence at 55mya. [Malkin; 2004] "
Abstract This paper takes an in-depth look at the Chicago v. Morales case. The matter in dispute is the City of Chicago's ordinance created in response to community concern about gang activity, in June of 1992, i.e. 'When any person reasonably believed by a police officer to be a gang member is found loitering with any other person or persons in any public place, the officer is then required to have the persons disperse the area immediately. The officer is also required to arrest any person who does not obey his or her commands promptly.' The paper takes the stance of the defendant.
Statement of the Case
Statement of Facts
Summary of Arguments
Arguments
Vagueness
Adequate Notice
Discriminatory Enforcement
Free Movement in Public Places
Ordinance Fails Scrutiny
First Amendment Violation
Fourth Amendment Violation
Eighth Amendment Violation
Conclusion
Table of Authorities
From the Paper "During the years prior to 1992, the City of Chicago had a large problem with gang presence. The gangs were thought to be drug dealers, have dealings with prostitution as well and several other illegal activities. Many members of the community came forward to testify about their personal experiences with these gangs and how negative they thought they were to the community. Even videotapes were presented depicting various alleged gang activity.
Furthermore, the community expressed concern about the lack of police action to combat this type of activity. Either the police took an excessive amount of time to respond or sometimes did not show up at all when called. Also mentioned was that an officer said that nothing could be done until these congregation of peoples did something apparent and obviously illegal."
The following paper takes a look at the particular strategy adopted by Toys R Us to make its employees more productive, and in line with 'modern' practices.
6,000 words (approx. 24 pages), 18 sources, 2003, $ 142.95
Abstract This paper makes reference to a Toys R Us case study which shows how a firm that has been in existence in 1948 and that has been so geographically dispersed, has made efficient internal communication essential to staying competitive. This paper takes a look at the devices employed by Toys-R-Us and at how the managers attempted to do carry out the successful strategy.
From the paper:
?Microsoft Exchange Server was deployed at the Toys R Us national offices and distribution centers, messaging has become a silent contributor to the company's success and an indispensable part of every employees workday. Dan Hannay, director of operations development for Toys R Us, comments, "Since we started using Microsoft Exchange Server, I would guess that, from my vantage point, productivity has increased by 400 percent. Everyone loves to check their e-mail every day, and because e-mail is the primary vehicle for communication, its essential to check it frequently".?
